Motion-picture system

ABSTRACT

Motion-picture apparatus for exposing a motion-picture film especially adapted to a diffusion transfer method of image formation; for rapidly processing the exposed film; and for immediately thereafter projecting the film in the form of a finished motion-picture sequence. The system includes, for an improved operation, a unique multi-purpose cassette or magazine usable both in a camera component for the taking function and in a projection component for processing and projection purposes. The camera component of the system, adapted to use the aforesaid motion-picture film and cassette, may, appropriately, be of a type also capable of accepting a standard motion-picture film such, for example, as one having the physical characteristics of a so-called &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;Super-8&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; film, sold by Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, New York, U.S.A. The camera may, therefore, be of a substantially conventional type with the qualification that it need be adapted to mount the cassette of the invention and optically suited to utilize the film contained therein. The projection or viewing component of the system may, suitably, be in the form of a compact cabinet-type unit incorporating a viewing screen comparable in area to that of a television receiver. Such a unit is primarily intended as a home entertainment device but, alternatively, its use may be extended to scientific or other fields where an immediate showing is of advantage following the taking of a motion-picture. The viewing component may also be used for accommodating standard motionpicture film.

United States Patent Land [451 Apr. 11, 1972 [541 MOTION-PICTURE SYSTEM57- ABSTRACT [72] Inventor: Edwin H. Land, Cambridge, Mass.Motion-picture apparatus for exposing a motion-picture film es eciallada ted to a diffusion transfer method of ima e for- [73] Assrgnee:Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge, Mass. mgtion; g ig processing theexposed mm; and i [22] Filed: June 20, 1968 mediately thereafterprojecting the film in the form of a finished motion-picture sequence.The system includes, for an pp 738,464 improved operation, a uniquemulti-purpose cassette or magazine usable both in a camera component forthe taking 52 us. (:1 352/72 352/78 352/104 and Pmjecm Pmcessing and95/13 projection purposes. [51] int.Cl. ..G03b 23/02 The cameracomponent of the system, adapted to use the Field 0f Search 1 aforesaidmotion-picture film and cassette, may, appropriate- 95/89; 250/66;212/712 ly, be of a type also capable of accepting a standardmotionpicture film such, for example, as one having the physical 5 6]References Cited characteristics of a so-called Super-8" film, sold byEastman Kodak Co., Rochester, New York, USA. The camera may, UNITEDSTATES PATENTS therefore, be of a substantially conventional type withthe 3,041,952 6/1962 Schreck ..95/14 qualificalifm that it "8 be adapted9 1 cassette 3,383,998 5/1968 Takats mas/90.5 tgzrieriylention andoptically suited to utrhze the film contamed 1,771,651 6/1930 Newman........352/78 3,097,584 7/1963 Wright ...95/14X The projection or viewingcomponent of the system may, 3,157,882 11/1964 Barnett ..352/72suitably, be in the form of a compact cabinet-type unit incor- 3,181,4445/1965 Takats et al ..95/14 X porating a viewing screen comparable inarea to that of a Primary Examiner-John M. Horan Assistant Examiner-AlanMathews Att0rneyBrown and Mikulka television receiver. Such a unit isprimarily intended as a home entertainment device but, alternatively,its use may be extended to scientific or other fields where an immediateshowing is of advantage following the taking of a motion-picture. Theviewing component may also be used for accommodating standardmotion-picture film.

6 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAPR 11 I972 3,655 277 SHEET 1 BF 2F|G.5 FIGS "i n H-JVENTOR.

Q 0 6m ELM V I26 H64 a BY ATTORNEYS 7511mm and m PATENTEDAPR 1 1 m2SHEET 2 BF 2 FIG. IO

FIG.9

FIG. ll-

ILVEVI OQ 6M and I ATTORNEYS MOTION-PICTURE SYSTEM Although a certaindegree of recognition has previously been given to the possibility ofrapidly processing and viewing an exposed motion-picture film, nopractical system is known to have evolved therefrom. At least no suchsystem has as yet been made available in a form adapted to public usage.Included in the art relating to the subject may be listed u. S. Pat.Nos. 2,780,972, 2,880,657, 2,930,302, 2,971,445, 3,003,871 and3,237,541. In general, a complexity of apparatus appears to pervade theart which complexity is unsuited to cost, appearance and operationalsimplicity limitations considered of importance herein.

The current trend in non-professional or so-called homemovie picturetaking is to employ a cassette holding a supply of motion-picture filmwhich can easily and quickly be mounted in a camera and which, when thusmounted, provides, automatically, that the film is correctly threadedand ready for shooting. After exposure of a complete length of film, thecassette, customarily, is removed from the camera and forwarded to aremote processing station, as by postal means, for accomplishing itsprocessing. The processed film is then returned on a spool or in asecond cassette ready for projection. The projector usually includesmeans for readily mounting the spool or second cassette and forautomatically threading the film.

The system of the present invention provides all of the operationaladvantages, above described, of rapid mounting, self threading, andrapid removal of motion-picture film relative to both camera andprojector components. However, it utilizes but a single film-containingcassette or magazine adapted to mounting in both the camera and theprojector for performing the taking and viewing steps. And it eliminatesthe delay, usually measured in days, which is conventionally required toprocess a motion-picture film after its exposure. The present systempermits the viewing of a completely processed motion-picture film withina matter of seconds after taking it. It also makes possible the viewingof extensive film footage immediately upon returning from a protractedperiod of picture taking.

In accordance with the foregoing considerations, objects of theinvention are to provide a novel motion-picture system comprisingapparatus in which a given length of photosensitive film material isexposed, rapidly processed and rendered viewable, in terms of magnifiedimages, on a viewing surface; to provide a system of the characterdescribed wherein are included camera, projector, viewing-screen andcassette components, the cassette embodying film-supply and takeup meansand being usable and interchangeably mountable in both the camera andthe projector components for taking and for processing-and-projectionfunctions, respectively; to provide a system, as stated, whereinprocessing means are incorporated with the cassette; to provide asystem, as characterized, in which the supply and takeup means of thecassette are in the form of rotatable spools or reels powered bycooperative means of the camera and projector components, respectively;to provide a system of the type set forth wherein the cassette,exclusive of driving means, is substantially selfcontained when employedfor exposure purposes in the camera component and, when employed in theprojector component, is substantially self-contained, exclusive ofdriving means, for processing purposes and adapted to cooperate withself-threading and related means of the projector component forprojection and viewing purposes; to provide a novel cassette of thecategory stated wherein supply and takeup means are adapted to filmadvancement and rewind operations therewithin; to provide a system ofthe character described which is capable of utilizing black-and-whiteand color film materials adapted to rapid processing; to provide asystem, as detailed, wherein the cassette is usable in a cameracomponent, the camera being adapted to accept a conventional cassetteand motion-picture film and wherein the projector component is alsoadapted to accept a conventional cassette and motion-picture film; toprovide a system of the character described, wherein the cassette andprojector components operate cooperatively to enable a substantiallyautomatic performance of processing, projection and rewind operations;to provide a system of the category stated wherein the processing,projection and viewing components are incorporated in a compactcabinet-type unit suitable for home use; and to provide apparatus forthe purposes set forth which is relatively simple in structure andpositive in operation.

Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in partappear hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the apparatus possessing theconstruction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts which areexemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of theapplication of which will be indicated in the claims.

FOr a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention,reference should be had to the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side-elevation view, partly in crosssection ofthe principal cassette or cartridge of the invention mounted in thecamera component of the system. A motionpicture film is undergoingexposure;

FIGS. 2 through 7 are diagrammatic side-elevation views, partly incross-section, of the principal cassette mounted in the projectorcomponent for processing and projection purposes. In FIG. 2 the film isundergoing rewinding; in FIG. 3 threading; in FIG. 4 projection and inFIG. 5 rewinding onto a storage reel;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic, fragmentary perspective view of the filmshowing complementary self-threading means for accomplishing itsadvancement onto a takeup reel and its rewinding onto a storage reel;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic front view of the projector componentillustrating an offset relation of illuminating lamp and opticalcomponents thereof;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic perspective view further illustratingstructure of the principal cassette of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic end view of a secondary or storage cassette ofthe invention;

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic perspective illustration of a complete unit ofthe invention; and

FIGS. 13, 14 and 15 are diagrammatic fragmentary views of internalmodifications of the principal cassette of the invention showing variousmeans identified with processing of the motion-picture film.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 through 8 and 12 through 15illustrate apparatus of the system at various stages of operation. Theseinclude photographically exposing, processing and projecting the filmtogether with various supplemental operations relating to automaticstopping, rewind, etc.

In FIG. 1 the cassette or cartridge 10 is mounted in retaining means 12of a camera 14. The camera includes an objective 16, a shutter 18 and anintermittent movement, for example, of a claw type indicated at 20,adapted to engage sprocket holes of the film 22. Other structure of thecamera, not shown, may be considered as of a generally conventionalnature, its controls being used relative to film movement.

The cassette 10, shown in detail in FIG. 10, includes a housing 24preferably formed of a plastic such as a polystyrene, an acrylic, oranother suitable material. The housing is internally sectioned atapproximate mid-points by horizontal and vertical partitions or webs 26and 28, respectively, at a relation. Within the housing section 30formed by web 26, namely, the far or remote housing section as seen inFIGS. 1 through 5, the film supply spool or reel 32 and the film takeupreel 34 are mounted for rotation by driving means of the camera such asspindles, not shown, having key means at their extremities adapted toengage slots 36 formed in the hubs 32a and 34a. The reels may,appropriately, be formed of a plastic material such as an acetal.

As shown in FIG. 1, the film 22 is undergoing sequential exposurethrough its movement from the supply reel 32 to the takeup reel 34. Inthis connection, the cassette housing 24 is provided with an opening orfilm gate 25 across which the film 22 is progressively transported as itis coiled onto the takeup reel or spool 34. Thus, this opening or filmgate 25 provides the cassette with an exposure station such thatincremental sections of the film 22 may be progressively exposed toimagecarrying light rays as it is advanced from the cassettes supplyspool 32 to its takeup spool 34. Other components of the cassette 10 areidentified with processing and projection of film 22 and will bedescribed in connection therewith. The dimensions of the cassette 10 areto be considered as merely illustrative and may be modified as, forexample, to a less elongated shape to conform more closely to those of apresently commercially distributed camera cassette whereby the cassette10 may be readily interchanged therewith. Although the reels 32 and 34are shown as of a given conformation they may, alternatively, be merelyof the diameter of their hubs, wall portions of the cassette in slidablecontact with the film serving to insure proper coiling and uncoilingthereof.

In FIG. 2, the cassette 10, with film 22 completely wound on the takeupreel 34, has been removed from camera component 14 of the system andmounted in retaining means 38 of a projector component 40 thereof. Theexposed film 22 is undergoing rewinding movement from the takeup reel orspool 34 to the supply reel 32. Concurrently, it is being processed bysubjection to a processing liquid. The processing liquid is applied tothe inner or emulsion side of the film from a liquid-impregnatedapplicator pad 42, pivotally mounted at 43. The pad is brought intocontact with the film emulsion by a mechanical force applied to aresilient spring-like appendage or contactor 44. The pad is thus pivotedinto contact with the film. The rewind circuit is energized by controlknob 45.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the processing liquid 47 is releasably heldin a container, e.g., in a flexible sac 46 composed of polyethylene oranother suitable material, rigid or flexible, and is positioned in theupper section or compartment 48 which is nearest to the viewer in FIG.10 and which would be nearest to the viewer if it were shown in FIGS.1-7. A tube 50 connects the sac 46 and pad 42. Flow and cutoff of theliquid is controlled by a valve 52 actuated by a lever 54. The lever 54and pad 42 are motivated by slidable linear movement of theplural-armed, multi-actuating element 56 which includes the lateralhandle portion 56a adapted to contact and move the lever 54 andterminates in an actuating knob 58. The element 56 also includes theportion 56b at 90 to the portion 56a and adapted to actuate thecontactor 44 for moving the pad 42, the angled laterally and upwardlyextending inner arm portion 560, and the lug portion 56d slidablycontacting the surface of web 26. At the extremity of the portion 56c, acombined pad 60 and projecting film-advancing tooth 62, to be furtherdescribed, are mounted.

The multi-purpose actuating element 56 is adapted to backward andforward movement responsive to a motivating force manually applied tothe knob 58. Its correct position is assured through slidable mountingof the element in the elongated slots 64 and 65 and the aforesaidcontact of the angled arm portion 56d with the horizontal web 26. Afirst position of the knob 58 is established at the slightly recessed orindented slot portion 64a; a second position at the forward extremity ofthe slot 64. The terms front" and rear or forward and rearward etc., areemployed herein to designate a relation to the front and rear of thecamera and projector components.

Upon contact with the pad 42, liquid permeation and processing of thefilm emulsion is immediately initiated. The second pad 60, also broughtinto contact with the film emulsion by the aforesaid movement of theknob 58 to the first position at 64a, serves to at least partiallyremove any excess of the processing liquid remaining on the filmsurface. The vent 66, supplied with forced heated air from theheater-andfan element 68, further reduces surface moisture. The heaterelement 68 is also energized by switch means actuated by control knob45. The film, having traversed the guide members 70 and 72 during itstravel, then passes to the supply reel 32, bearing an image adapted tosubsequent projection.

Thus it will be seen that, in the illustrated embodiment, the cassette10 includes a film gate 25 defining an exposure station, a filmprocessing station intermediate the film gate 25 and the takeup spool 34and a film drying station intermediate the film gate 25 and the supplyspool 32.

In FIG. 3, the trailing end-portion 22a of the film has been uncoiledand separated from the hub 34a. With cessation of a tautened conditionof the film 22, the pad 42, under bias applied by the spring-likecontactor 44 against the actuator portion.56b, has been rotatedclockwise to the limit shown, provided by its contact with the cassettehousing. A weaker torsion spring 74 normally biases the pad in anopposite direction to the position shown in FIG. 1. With the pad 42 atthe position of FIG. 3, a microswitch enclosed within the guide member70 and having an actuating member connected to pivot 43 has assumed anoff position, whereby the reel 32, driven by the projector spindle 76,has stopped rotating, and a green indicator light 78 has been energized.In this regard, it is to be understood that in mounting the cassette 10in the projector component suitable plug and jack means 80 haveintroduced the microswitch of guide member 70 into the pro jector rewindcircuit which drives reel 32. Simultaneously, the heater-and-fan element68 has been turned off. In conjunction with the foregoing operations, itis to be understood that the reels 32 and 34 of the cassette embodyclutch means or the like whereby each is adapted to be rotated by cameraor projector mechanism in one direction and to rotate freely in anopposite direction. As illustrated, reel 32 is subject to being drivenin a counterclockwise direction and reel 34 in a clockwise direction.

Upon separation of the film from hub 34a and cessation of rotation ofreel 32, as indicated by the green light 78, the trailing end-portion22a of the film is of a given length, its extremity extending slightlyinto the opening of the cassette aperture 82 and in line with the pad60. Knob 58 is then manually pushed to its extreme forward position.Coincidentally, the pad 60, in cooperation with guide 84, engages thefilm endportion 22a and the tooth 62 enters a sprocket hole 86. Theextremity of the film, now constituting a leader, is thus threadedwithin the bite of the friction drive roller 88 and pad roller 90. Thefilm is now ready for projection, illustrated in FIG. 4.

The projector component of the system, in addition to driving means forthe reel 32 and the heater 68, previously mentioned, comprises aprojection lamp 92, semi-enclosed by a heat-shield 94, a reflector 96, acondenser 98, and a mirror disposed at approximately 45 to the opticalaxis. The reflector 96 may, of course, be enclosed within the lampenvelope. The offset relation of the lamp to the optical axis of theobjective 102 and inclusion of the mirror 100 are for the purpose ofpermitting a convenient arrangement of film travel and avoiding an unduesubjection of the film to heat. A rearrangement of these elements willbe understood to be possible within the scope of the invention.

A self-threading advancement and controlled direction of movement of thefilm 22 for projection is accomplished by the following elements whichcomprise: the powered sprockets 104 and 106, an intermittent movementexemplified by the claw 108, a friction drive roller 110, the padrollers 112, 114 and 116, a takeup reel 118, the gate elements 120 andthe guide means 122. A shutter 124 is located at the gate. Advancementand takeup of the film 22, energization of the lamp 100, and rotation ofthe shutter 124 are initiated by the control knob 126.

The leading end of the film passes between the drive roller and padroller 116 at an acute angle relative to the horizontal such that it iselevated slightly above the hub 128a of the reel 128. As the leadingportion 22a of the film increases in length, its increased weight causesit to come into slidable contact with the hub 128a and its foremost endto be lowered into contact with the hub 118a of the takeup reel 118. Tofacilitate the latter contact, a rigid, featherweight" strip element 130composed, for example, of a plastic or magnesium may, optionally, bepivotally mounted at 132 so as to provide a V for guiding the filmextremity. Thereafter, the element 130, preferably having slightlyraised or beaded longitudinal marginal portions, may ride lightly on themarginal portions of the film.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the hub 1280 includes flanged end portions128a to enhance slidable movement of the film thereacross and preventscratching of its image areas. The central portion of hub 128a, of areduced diameter, includes a plurality of slightly overturned hookedmembers 134 distributed around its periphery, their extremitiesextending in a counterclockwise direction. The hub 118a includes aplurality of small permanent bar magnets 136 inset around its periphery.Therebetween, at central portions, it includes a plurality of slightlyoverturned hooked members 138, extending in a clockwise direction. Thecentral portion of the film includes a slot or aperture 140, adapted tobe engaged by one of the hooks 138. At the tip of the film, anunderlying transverse portion or strip 142 has a coating of amagnetizable material formed thereon, e.g., a plurality of minute ironparticles dispersed in a plastic material. A bar magnet 136, attractingthe strip 142, is adapted to facilitate engagement of the film by a hook138 of the rotating hub 118a.

When the trailing portion 22b of the film arrives at the hub 128a, apivotally-mounted loop 144 at the end of the film, composed of a metalor a plastic material is adapted to engage one of the hooked members134. Simultaneously, a clear portion 146 of the film is positioned inthe optical path of a beam from a light source 148 to a photoelectriccell 150. Responsive to energization of the photoelectric cell,switching means, not shown, is actuated to stop rotation of the takeupreel 118 and to energize the red lamp 152.

In FIG. 5, the film has been completely wound on the takeup reel 118,its trailing end being fastened to reel 128, which may be designated astorage or film library reel, by the engagement of loop 144 with hook134, as previously explained. Control knob 154 is now turned to actuateswitch means for initiating counterclockwise rotation of the reel 128while, at the same time breaking the circuits of the lamp, shutter andfilm-advancing elements, those controlling movement of the sprockets,drive rollers and intermittent and that of the red lamp 152. The storagereel 128 may, to advantage, be mounted for rotation in bearing means 156of a cassette 158 to protect the film during non-use. The cassette cover158a may be installed or removed during operation of the storage reel128 in the projector. An aperture 160 formed in the cassette body 158!)permits unimpeded movement of the film. As previously mentioned inconjunction with the cassette reels 32 and 34, the reels 118 and 128driven for film-takeup purposes by engaging means of the projector, notshown, embody clutch or similarly functional means permitting their freerotation in directions opposite to those in which they are driven. Asindicated by the arrows, the driven reel 128 and the freely rotatingreel 118 are just commencing to rotate in a counterclockwise direction.A separable slit 161 enables film release.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the film 22 has been completely wound on thestorage reel 128 and the knob 154 has been turned to a second offposition terminating the taking up rotation of the storage reel. Thecassette 158 may now be removed from the projector and stored, or thefilm may be rerun, as previously described, by mounting the cassette 158in retaining means 162 placing a new reel 164 on the spindle 166formerly occupied by reel 128, and manually threading the film leader22a between the rollers 88 and 90. It may be assumed at this stage thatthe control knobs 45, 126 and 154 have been turned reversely to theirinitial off positions. FIG. 7 illustrates the mounting of cassette 158in retaining means 162, threading of the film leader 22a between rollers88 and 90 for subsequent advancement through the projector to the takeupreel 118 mounted on spindle 168. To commmence the projection operation,the control knob 126 is once again turned to actuate the relevantswitching means.

In FIG. 12, the projector component 40 is illustrated mounted within anenclosure 170 embodying a rear-projection screen 172. The projectedimage is reflected by mirrors 174, 176 and 178, respectively, to thescreen. The entire assembly forms a compact cabinet-type unit suitablefor home use.

A certain degree of latitude is possible with respect to the categoriesof rapidly processable motion-picture film which may be employed in thesystem of the present invention. Composite film materials of the typecontemplated, involving diffusion transfer processes and adapted toeither black-and-white or full-color image formation, the latter throughadditive and subtractive techniques, are, for example, described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,614,926, 2,726,154, 2,944,894 and 3,087,815. Certain ofthe film structures and methods shown therein require the presence of aso-called spreaderor strip-sheet cooperating in juxtaposed relation withthe film emulsion or with another layer for applying and distributing aprocessing liquid therebetween to permeate the liquid into the emulsionand to strip the emulsion away after formation of the desired image inanother layer of the ultimate film transparency. Other of the examplespermit application of a processing liquid directly to an outer layer ofa film structure, e.g., to the photographically exposed film emulsion.This method of liquid application is described relative to the showingof FIG. 2, above. Another relevant process, not comprehended by theabove-referenced patents and not strictly within the scope of adiffusion transfer method of image formation, involves a film structurecomprising, in order of light transmission, a transparent support, atransparent color-screen, and a photosensitive emulsion. In thisinstance, a processing liquid may be applied directly to the emulsionwherein both negative and positive images are formed. The positive imageis dominant to a degree rendering the negative image substantiallyinvisible. This process of image formation may aptly be considered asoccuring at the stage represented in FIG. 2. a

FIG. 13 illustrates a modification of the internal structure of thecassette 10 wherein a strip film 180 is employed in conjunction with thefilm 22, the latter having its photographically exposed emulsion on aninner surface, as previously described. In the example shown, the stripfilm 180 has previously been coiled, as in the camera of FIG. 1, ininterleaved relation with the photographically exposed film 22 on thetakeup reel 34. Assuming the cassette 14 to be mounted in the projector40, as in FIG. 2, the processing liquid is applied to the film emulsionfrom the liquid-impregnated pad 42. The strip film 180 and the film 22are brought together by the guide means 182 and are taken up on thesupply reel or hub 32. The cassette is to be understood as additionallyincluding the elements previously described, excepting, preferably, thevent 66, inasmuch as heat is not essential.

As shown in FIG. 14 which represents a stage comparable to that of FIG.3, the trailing end of the film 22 is slightly longer than that of thestrip-film 180. When rotation of reel 32 has ceased, as provided byactuation of the microswitch within guide 70, the film 22 and strip-film180 have automatically assumed the positions illustrated. Thesuperimposed end portions of the film 22 and strip-film 180 arepre-treated, as by a silicone coating or the like, whereby they will notadhere to one another following application of the processing liquid tothe film emulsion and, preferably, will slightly curl in oppositedirections, as shown. Accordingly, when the film leader 22a is insertedbetween the drive roller 88 and the pad roller 90, as previouslydescribed, the strip film is disposed to self-coiling, as facilitated bythe guide 184, and is adapted to pull away the developed emulsionbearing, for example, an unwanted negative image, leaving the desiredpositive image formed within the motion-picture film transparency 22. Asis well known in the art, a so-called strip coat may be provided betweenthe film emulsion and a contiguous inner layer to facilitate removal ofthe emulsion with the strip film 180.

plastic serving as a platen and a resilient element 18Gb composed of arubber or synthetic rubber adapted to press against the emulsion andseparate it from the underlying layer. The container 188 is positionedto receive fragments of the removed emulsion. The squeegee element isadapted to be moved away from the platen 186a, as by an external controlknob connected therewith, to permit unimpeded return move-- ment of thefilm for projection. The device of FIG. 15 may be employed in a cassetteof the type previously mentioned, preferably exclusive of theheat-applying means.

Certain further modifications of the apparatus are possible within thecompass of the invention. Thus, for example, the reel 32 may be adaptedto engagement by backwinding means of the camera to permit its rotationtherewithin in a direction opposite to that shown for the purpose ofmaking lap dissolves. The cassette of FIG. 10 is merely exemplary. Othermeans for containing, releasing and applying the processing liquid andfor actuating various elements will be apparent. The reels 32 and 34 ofthe cassette may be otherwise positioned, e.g., in separate halvesthereof and even side-by-side provided that an accessible path of filmmovement for applying a processing liquid is provided.

Among the film structures previously mentioned as adapted to themotion-picture film of the subject system are those embodying anadditive color screen element used for colorseparation purposes at thetaking stage in the camera and to provide the several color componentsof the visible color image in conjunction with a black-and-white imagereproduction in the ultimate motion-picture film. Because of themagnification involved in projection, the interstices or other linearcomponents of the screen may normally be visible and detrimental. Aprismatic element 188 for substantially reducing or eliminating thelines is shown in FIG. 4, positioned at the front of the projector lenstube. A prismatic element of the type contemplated is described in thecopending U. S. Pat. application Ser. No. 702,243, filed Feb. 1, 1968under the name of Stanley W. Haskell for Method And Apparatus ForProjecting A Scene.

The cassette 10 may be considered as of a disposable type or, forexample, it may be returned to the manufacturer for reloading andsubsequent sale as a new item.

Processing of the film, either within or externally of the cassette l0,subsequent to rewinding of the film on reel 32, is a possiblealternative. In such a modification, the processing applicator ordispenser could, for example, be relocated adjacent to the reel 32.Application of the processing liquid to the film would then occur duringthe projection stage illustrated in FIG. 4. A further modification,applicable to the cassette shown, contemplates coiling the film on reel32, in a stillwet condition and providing drying means therefor as it istaken off of reel 32 during the projection operation of FIG. 4. Anothermodification envisions the provision of a carrying case" usableintermediate of the camera of FIG. 1 and the projector of FIG. 2,embodying means for performing the operations relative to the cassetteshown in FIG. 2. Such a carrying case, in addition to a conventionaltransport function, would enable the processing of a large number ofreels of film in the field, all of which would be in a condition forimmediate projection upon return to a base.

Since certain changes may be made in the above apparatus withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention herein involved, it isintended that all matter contained in the above description or shown inthe accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and notin a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

l. A cassette comprising:

an enclosed opaque housing configured to be first mounted in a camera tofacilitate film exposure operations and subsequently in a projector tofacilitate film processing and viewing operations;

an unexposed strip of photographic material coiled within said housing;

a film gate for access of light rays to selected incremental portions ofsaid strip of material;

first means responsive to drive means of such camera when said cassetteis mounted therein for progressively advancing said unexposed strip ofphotographic material past said film gate while retaining said strip ofphotographic material entirely within said cassette to facilitate therecording of images thereon;

a normally inoperative processing station adapted to being selectivelyrendered operable to apply processing fluid to said strip of materialafter exposure of said strip of material to image carrying light raysincident through said film gate;

second means responsive to drive means of such projector when saidcassette is mounted therein after exposure of said strip of photographicmaterial for progressively advancing said strip of material through saidprocessing station while retaining said strip of photographic materialentirely within said cassette to facilitate the formation of visibleimages from said recorded images; and

means for selectively rendering said processing station operable whensaid strip of material in an exposed condition is transported throughsaid processing station by said second means.

2. The cassette of claim I additionally comprising a drying stationwithin said cassette adapted to facilitate the removal of evaporableconstituents of said processing fluid therefrom after the application ofsaid fluid to said strip of photographic material.

3. A cassette supplied loaded with motion-picture film and adapted torapid mounting in and removal from both a camera and projectorcomprising a housing having a film gate provided therein, spool meansresponsive to selective engagement with drive means of sad camera andprojector to transport said film across said film gate, film processingmeans mounted within said housing; and means for selectively bringingsaid film processing means into operative relationship with said film asit is transported across said film gate by said spool means.

4. The cassette of claim 3 wherein said spool means are responsive toselective engagement with drive means of said camera and projector toreversibly transport said film across said film gate.

5. The cassette of claim 3 wherein a processing medium in a liquid stateis applied to said film when said film processing means is brought intooperative relationship with said film and additionally comprising adrying station within said cassette adapted to facilitate the removal ofevaporable constituents of said processing medium therefrom after theapplication of said processing medium to said film.

6. A cassette supplied loaded with motion-picture film and adapted torapid mounting in and removal from both a camera and projectorcomprising:

a housing having a film gate provided therein;

normally inoperative means for processing said film with a processingmedium in a liquid state after exposure thereof mounted within saidhousing;

spool means responsive to selective engagement with drive means of saidcamera and projector to transport said film across said film gate andsaid processing means;

means for selectively rendering said processing means operable as saidfilm is transported thereacross; and

a drying station within said cassette adapted to facilitate the removalof evaporable constituents of said processing medium therefrom after theapplication of said processing medium to said film.

1. A cassette comprising: an enclosed opaque housing configured to befirst mounted in a camera to facilitate film exposure operations andsubsequently in a projector to facilitate film processing and viewingoperations; an unexposed strip of photographic material coiled withinsaid housing; a film gate for access of light rays to selectedincremental portions of said strip of material; first means responsiveto drive means of such camera when said cassette is mounted therein forprogressively advancing said unexposed strip of photographic materialpast said film gate while retaining said strip of photographic materialentirely within said cassette to facilitate the recording of imagesthereon; a normally inoperative processing station adapted to beingselectively rendered operable to apply processing fluid to said strip ofmaterial after exposure of said strip of material to image carryinglight rays incident through said film gate; second means responsive todrive means of such projector when said cassette is mounted thereinafter exposure of said strip of photographic material for progressivelyadvancing said strip of material through said processing station whileretaining said strip of photographic material entirely within saidcassette to facilitate the formation of visible images from saidrecorded images; and means for selectively rendering said processingstation operable when said strip of material in an exposed condition istransported through said processing station by said second means.
 2. Thecassette of claim 1 additionally comprising a drying station within saidcassette adapted to facilitate the removal of evaporable constituents ofsaid processing fluid therefrom after the application of said fluid tosaid strip of photographic material.
 3. A cassette supplied loaded withmotion-picture film and adapted to rapid mounting in and removal fromboth a camera and projector comprising a housing having a film gateprovided therein, spool means responsive to selective engagement withdrive means of sad camera and projector to transport said film acrosssaid film gate, film processing means mounted within said housing; andmeans for selectively bringing said film processing means into operativerelationship with said film as it is transported across said film gateby said spool means.
 4. The cassette of claim 3 wherein said spool meansare responsive to selective engagement with drive means of said cameraand projector to reversibly transport said film across said film gate.5. The cassette of claim 3 wherein a processing medium in a liquid stateis applied to said film when said film processing means is brought intooperative relationship with said film and additionally comprising adrying station within said cassette adapted to facilitate the removal ofevaporable constituents of said processing medium therefrom after theapplication of said processing medium to said film.
 6. A cassettesupplied loaded with motion-picture film and adapted to rapid mountingin and removal from both a camera and projector comprising: a housinghaving a film gate provided therein; normally inoperative means forprocessing said film with a processing medium in a liquid state afterexposure thereof mounted within said housing; spool means responsive toselective engagement with drive means of said camera and projector totransport said film across said film gate and said processing means;means for selectively rendering said processing means operable as saidfilm is transported thereacross; and a drying station within saidcassette adapted to facilitate the removal of evaporable constituents ofsaid processing medium therefrom after the application of saidprocessing medium to said film.